Displaced Beachbums

This spring, FG’s social studies teacher touched on the subject of elections. The Primary Season gave the teacher a lot of fodder to go over with the kids. FG said the teacher didn’t hide her preference for Hillary Clinton which came across more as a “yeah, there’s a viable woman running for president” than “I’m voting for a Democrat.”

So about a month ago, we had dinner at TGIFridays. After dinner, I wanted to stop at Pier One while FM needed somthing from Lowes. Both stores are close together so I told him to drop me off while he shopped at Lowes. We asked FG if she wanted to go with FM or with me and here’s the conversation that took place:

Favorite Girl (FG): Let’s look at this like an election. You can each state your case why I should vote for you. I’ll vote for the best one.

Favorite Man (FM): You should vote for me because I’ll be going to Lowes and you like to look through that store for plants and things.

Me: I’m going to Pier One and they have lots of fun, colorful things to look at ~ it’s much better than hanging out at Lowes.

FG: What else?

FM: I’ll be quick so you won’t get bored. I’ll make it more fun.

Me: If you vote for me, I’ll make sure to buy you something wonderful at the store. Did your teacher cover “campaign promises?”  There’s no guarantee I’ll actually buy you something, but in order to get your vote, I’ll put that out there as an incentive. Later, I can make an excuse as to why you don’t really want me to buy you anything.

FG: Oh…

Too cynical? What would you tell a 10 year old about the election process? I told FG a good way to judge how a politician will act in the future is not by what they say they’re going to do but how they’ve acted in the past and a good place to start is their voting record. Since our 2008 candidates are Senators, you can check their voting record here.  Sadly, even if you go back to 2007, there are a lot of “not voting” on the part of both Obama and McCain. I can see them not having time in 2008 to be present and vote but what’s up with their 2007 record?!